More risk, more gain!

DNA looks at mega budget movies that have gone on to garner big money at the box office...

James Cameron’s recent semi-blue epic Avatar has managed to silence all speculations with astounding box-office returns and overwhelming critical acclaim. Here’s a look at some of the other big cinematic gambles of recent times that paid off.
 
Titanic
James Cameron’s gargantuan tragedy was funded by two major Hollywood studios at the cost of US $200 million becoming the most expensive film ever made at the time. After its premiere at Tokyo International Film Festival, the response which was described as ‘tepid’ materialised as the steadiest film at the box office window. It ended its run as the highest grossing motion picture ever.
 
Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
With Cutthroat Island (1995) as one of the infamous flops in the pirate genre, many predicted that it would be a flop for reasons that range from its PG-13  rating to casting Johnny Depp as the lead in a massive budget film.
 
Star Wars
Expecting a beating from big summer releases like Smokey and the Bandit in 1977, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope’s release date was reshuffled by the studios during its release. Everyone was skeptical about the film since this big budget epic had a sci-fi plot and unconventional special effects. Now, it has made its place as one of the most popular and influential movies of all time.
 
Wall E
The film had taken many risks like a robot as the hero, nearly silent first half and a budget as big as US $180 million. However, it turned out to be a 9th cinematic wonder with impressive ticket sales.
 
The Lord of the Rings
The film had a director known for his slapstick horror films and a plot which is considered as one of fantasy’s greatest gems. This gamble with a huge budget paid off so well that it beat the original Star Wars trilogy.

Lagaan
A period film and not the standard Hindi fare, it wasn’t a usual commercial potboiler. Except Aamir Khan’s involvement, the film also used villagers playing the game of cricket to survive besides having a flop director Ashutosh Gowariker at the helm of affairs. The big budget film had everything to sink but it floated like no other film ever before.
 
Krrish
Though papa Roshan’s first take on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was a successful one, everyone was doubtful about the sequel’s fate since science fiction hardly worked except Mr India years back. However, team Roshan emerged winner and it made big money at the ticket window.
 
Jodha Akbar
Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic about the Mughal emperor and his Hindu wife had many troubles. Besides its huge risk with the budget and lengthy narrative, the film also saw protests from the Rajput community for misleading portrayal of their community and a consecutive ban in many places in India. It still managed to become a hit which speaks volumes about its potential.